Victor Martinez tells inside stories of his nude photoshoot for the ‘Bodies of Work’ series
In the latest episode of the Generation Iron Podcast, Victor Martinez, delivered another round of candid conversations, bodybuilding insights, and straight-shooting commentary. This episode covered everything from Victor’s personal experiences with the Bodies of Work photo series to the recent death of Vito Pirbazari, viral health trends, and predictions for the future of the Men’s Open Olympia division.
Here’s a brief recap of the topics discussed in this week’s Generation Iron Podcast:
- Victor Martinez reflects on posing naked.
- What is Victor’s favorite physique look of his entire career?
- Saratoga water viral trend – bullshit or legit?
- Reacting to the death of German Netflix bodybuilder Vito Pirbazari.
- Victor weighs in – can Keone Pearson become Men’s Open Mr. Olympia champion?
- Rich Gaspari shows off his legs at 61 years old.
- Victor answers: why did Branch Warren succeed despite having “bad form?”
You can watch the full episode above. Let’s dive into the highlights of this week’s episode in more detail.
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FAN QUESTION: What Was It Like Posing Nude in the Bodies of Work Series?
A fan submitted a question about Victor Martinez’s experience posing nude for the Bodies of Work photo series in 2017, a project that showcased athletes and fitness figures in the nude to highlight the human form. Victor didn’t hold back in his response.
He admitted it was an uncomfortable experience, joking that he’s “not comfortable being nude in front of people in a non-intimate setting.” Despite the awkwardness, he participated because he wanted to push himself and try something new.
The story took a hilarious turn when Victor shared a moment from the photoshoot. While he was fully nude on set, none other than Flavor Flav showed up at the studio—for a completely different reason. Victor found himself face-to-face with the hip-hop legend in nothing but his birthday suit. It was awkward, but memorable.
As for criticism about the nudity, Victor made it clear that he doesn’t entertain negativity. “If you’re offended, then it’s not for you. No one’s forcing anyone to look at these photos,” he said. He approaches such work with confidence and clarity—it’s art, and it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.
FAN QUESTION: What Was Victor’s Favorite Look of His Career?
Another fan asked Victor Martinez to name his favorite physique from his competitive career. He cited three key moments:
- Night of Champions
- Mr. Olympia 2006
- Mr. Olympia 2007
These were his peak moments, where he felt his body was in prime form. However, he pointed to the 2000 Nationals as a personal milestone. At 222 pounds, he felt the most “right” at that moment—not too big, not too small—and it marked the beginning of his confidence as a pro. That physique, according to Victor, set the tone for his future success.
Saratoga Water Trend: Dumb or Harmless?
Vlad brought up a recent viral trend: people dunking their faces into Saratoga water (or ice-cold water in general) and claiming various health benefits. The trend originated from a viral video and spiraled into a social media obsession.
Victor Martinez had a humorous take: “If I was just a little bit dumb, I would fall for it too.” The hosts all agreed that while the trend is silly and lacks any real health benefits, it’s not harmful. In an era where dangerous viral stunts still circulate online, something like this is low-stakes and not worth getting upset about. “Let people be weird,” seemed to be the overall vibe.
Tragedy in the Bodybuilding Community: Vito Pirbazari Passes Away at 44
The podcast turned somber as the hosts discussed the sudden passing of Vito Pirbazari, a German bodybuilder featured on a Netflix series. He died at just 44 years old while on a treadmill.
Victor Martinez didn’t know Pirbazari personally but emphasized how tragic it is to see another member of the bodybuilding world gone too soon. He mentioned others who have recently passed, including Jerry Montanari and Cynthia James (CJ), both of whom were major contributors to the fitness community.
Victor paid heartfelt respect to Jerry and CJ, noting how both gave back immensely—Jerry through his gym, which served as a sanctuary for athletes, and CJ through her work in judging competitions, creating posing suits, and competing herself. Their legacies go beyond muscle; they shaped the culture of bodybuilding.
Lee Priest Predicts Keone Pearson Will Win Men’s Open Olympia by 2027/28
Lee Priest made headlines recently by predicting that Keone Pearson, already a Men’s 212 Olympia champion, could win the Men’s Open Olympia title by 2027 or 2028.
Victor Martinez agrees with the bold claim. He believes Keone has the tools—conditioning, aesthetics, and youth—to make a smooth and successful transition into the Open division. Ehsan echoed this sentiment, even suggesting Keone could be a serious threat as soon as next year.
Victor noted that as long as Keone avoids injuries and continues his upward momentum, the forecast is realistic. The hosts all highlighted Keone’s incredible genetics and under-appreciated potential. “It’s only a matter of time before more people realize just how special he is,” Victor added.
Rich Gaspari Shows Off His Legs at 61—Impressive or Unnecessary?
The conversation shifted to Rich Gaspari, who recently revealed his leg conditioning at 61 years old, impressing many fans online.
Victor Martinez joked, “I’m not pulling my pants down anytime soon,” but he respected Gaspari’s continued passion. Ehsan questioned the need to show off at that age, saying Gaspari has already proven himself as a legend and businessman—there’s no need for more validation.
Victor defended Rich, pointing out his lifetime of dedication to the sport. “It’s in his blood,” he said. From his achievements in the 1980s to his supplement business and contributions to events like the Arnold Amateur, Gaspari’s commitment is long-standing. For someone like him, showing off progress is just part of the lifestyle.
Bad Form in Bodybuilding: Does It Matter?
The episode wrapped with a classic debate: does bad form matter in bodybuilding?
Ehsan raised the question by pointing out that athletes like Branch Warren trained with what many would consider “bad form” yet still became champions. So, if form is so critical, how do these exceptions exist?
Victor Martinez brought a thoughtful perspective. He doesn’t use the term “bad form” when training others. Instead, he’ll say, “You’re doing it different, now try it like this.” His philosophy? What works safely for one person might not work for another.
However, he also emphasized that success with poor form doesn’t mean it’s safe or smart for everyone. Many pros might just be the exception due to genetics, experience, or luck. The takeaway: There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Train smart, learn your body, and aim for safety as well as progress.
Wrap Up
This episode of the Generation Iron Podcast was a perfect blend of humor, insight, and raw honesty. Victor Martinez continues to be a grounded, no-BS voice in the bodybuilding world. Whether discussing his most iconic looks or sharing a laugh about viral nonsense, he brings experience and personality to the mic.
From fan questions to serious discussions about loss and legacy, the episode highlights what makes this podcast essential for fitness enthusiasts and bodybuilding fans. It’s not just about reps and trophies—it’s about life, passion, and the weird, wild world that surrounds the iron game.
You can watch the full episode at the top of this article. And don’t forget to check back every week for new episodes on the Generation Iron Fitness Network or wherever podcasts are downloaded.
